• Duration: 3.5 months; 14 weekly calls; 1.5 hours per call

• Weekly preparation: 1-2 hours of reading or videos related to the upcoming call

• Weekly calls: Each call involves active discussions with relevant experts

• Assignments: There will be 2 group assignments to be completed

• Fellowship completion: Complete the fellowship and receive your IFAWF certificate by participating in 11/14 sessions and finishing the 2 group assignments

• Global developments in farm animal welfare

• Farm animal husbandry and welfare in China

• Stakeholder analysis

• Collaborating with industry

• Engaging consumers

• Alternative proteins

• Product labelling and standards

• Legislation and policy

• Academic research

• Welfare issues for commonly farmed species

• Self-care, effective altruism mindset, funding opportunities and more

• Most online sessions and reading materials will be in Chinese

• A few online sessions and reading materials will be in English due to speaker preference 

• We will not be providing translation services during the fellowship

Through participating in the online program and connecting with leading experts, you will…

• Develop a holistic understanding of the livestock industry, as well as challenges and opportunities to improving farm animal welfare in China

• Learn to approach issues in a rational manner, while appreciating the needs and perspectives of different stakeholders

• Gain more clarity on career development and direction

1. Join a global community of distinguished alumni

   • Enjoy continued sharing of resources, connections, and peer support

2. Gain sponsorship to attend a free 4-day offline retreat in China, featuring:

   • Community building activities

   • Expert-guided farm visit

   • Brainstorming and discussion sessions

   • Networking with experts in the animal welfare field

3. Receive 1-1 mentorship support

4. Be able to apply for small financial supports for career development, for example:

   • Free access to online animal welfare courses at University of Edinburgh and University of Queensland (certificates provided by universities upon course completion)

   • Attending relevant professional conferences

   • Purchasing relevant books

5. Have potential project collaboration or internship opportunities at relevant NGOs, organizations, and universities

Essential Qualities

• A strong interest in working on improving the welfare of farm animals in China

• Working proficiency in Mandarin

• English reading and writing skills

• Familiar with culture and society in Mainland China

Ideal Qualities

• Rational, open-open minded, respectful of cultural differences

• Passionate, resilient, optimistic even during challenges

• No restrictions on background (preference is given to those with relevant backgrounds related to animals, food, agriculture, public health, environment, media studies, business, marketing, economics, education, project management, rural development)

• No restrictions on career stage

We believe that a multidisciplinary approach is needed to improve farm animal welfare in China, and therefore welcome and encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and career stages to apply.

We believe diversity in background and intellectual outlook is important. Hence, all applicants will be considered without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), or sexual orientation.

• Before March 31: send in the application form

• April: potential candidates are  interviewed

• Late April: fellows will learn the status of their application

• May to August: 14-week online program

• Late August: fellows who successfully complete the online program can join a 4-day offline retreat in China (circumstances will depend on COVID-19 restrictions)